France to supply Ukraine with more long-range SCALP missiles but there's catch, media reports
Photo: France will supply Ukraine with more long-range SCALP missiles, but there is a caveat (Getty Images)
France may transfer long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine that have expired. The decision is cost-effective, as the missiles are subject to disposal, Deutsche Welle reports.
The missiles can be transferred under the Chrysalis program. In particular, we are talking about those missiles that were assembled from expired components. This will help Paris avoid the devastation of its own arsenal.
Overdue missiles are divided into two types:
- those that have expired;
- those in which individual components have been dismantled for use in other SCALPs.
The aforementioned missiles will be delivered to local factories and made usable in three months.
"Since these missiles are expected to be used quickly against Russia, they will be tested according to a simplified scheme," the agency adds.
SCALP
France first handed over long-range SCALPs to Ukraine last year. In July 2023, it was reported that the Ukrainian Defense Forces would receive 50 missiles. However, in January 2024, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of another 40 units.
Missile characteristics:
- length - 5.1 meters;
- body diameter - 630 mm;
- weight - 1300 kilograms;
- operational range, according to the developer, is 560 kilometers.
At the same time, there is also an export version that has a shorter range and a lighter warhead.
